A generation of pro wrestling fans in the 1980s grew up on the old territorial system.

At the time, there were numerous wrestling promotions, or “territories” throughout the South, the United States and even around the world. It made for an abundance of professional wrestling television shows which flooded the airwaves on UHF stations in the 1980s.

Charles Anschutz was one of those fans in the 1980s who watched Georgia Championship Wrestling with Gordon Solie and who later had the chance to see regional promotions across the country thanks, in part, to the block of wrestling shown on Atlanta television as part of Joe Pedicino’s “Superstars of Wrestling.

Times change, however, just like professional wrestling. With the territorial system, in effect, killed off by World Wrestling Entertainment owner Vince McMahon, many fans were left without the brand of grappling they enjoyed. Anschutz has decided to do something about filling that void and has started a promotion called “Southern Fried Championship Wrestling.” The promotion, based in Monroe, held its initial card last month and had a turn-away crowd. The long-time goal for Anschutz is to promote in cities in the immediate area and perhaps eventually branch out even more across Georgia.

“We literally could not have put any more people in the building for our first show,” Anschutz said. “We had to stop people from coming in.”

The first show, which featured former NWA heavyweight champion Tommy Rich in the main event, was held at the Monroe American Legion Bingo Hall. Another show is set for Saturday at that venue, but Anschutz has already secured a larger building for future cards in Monroe.

“Monroe is our home base, but we want to branch out” Anschutz said. We are looking at Winder, Buckhead, Madison and maybe even Eatonton.”
A show for Winder could be in the works for later this year, perhaps in November or December.

Anschutz, who said he has always wanted to try his hand at running a wrestling promotion, has been overwhelmed by the positive response. After obtaining a license with the state of Georgia to promote wrestling cards, Anschutz set about attracting not only talent, but names fans would recognize.

“Tommy Rich gave us credibility,” Anschutz said. “Ole Anderson also showed up out of the blue at our card last month. Charlie Smith (long-time Georgia referee) also was there.”

For Anschutz, who grew up watching wrestlers like Anderson and Rich, it was a true enjoyment to listen to the two of them sit and talk in the locker room about the wrestling game.

Anschutz said it is actually easier in some ways to promote a small wrestling territory these days. With the help of the Internet and Facebook, word spread quickly about the first show. In addition, Anschutz, who collects wrestling memorabilia, put out 200 posters around the area with the help of his wife and kids.

“We put them in gas stations, restaurants, nail salons and anywhere we could find,” Anschutz said. “I heard from so many people who say they saw the signs.”

At the first card last month, veteran Georgia grappler Steve “The Brawler” Lawler showed up and got involved in an angle with Rich. The two have been battling in and around Georgia since the 1980s. The two will be in the main event of Saturday’s card in Monroe.

There have been numerous attempts through the years to promote pro wrestling on the local level, similar to what Anschutz is doing. However, various factors have caused most to fade away. Anschutz believes he has the connections and approach to make it work.

“Many times promotions would have two wrestlers teaming up one month and then have them trying to kill each other the next month,” he said. “However, there was no explanation as to why they went from teaming up to fighting. We are running storylines, which explain what is happening. That’s the way it used to be done.”

Plans are currently underway for a heavyweight title tournament for August.

Anschutz is currently reaching out to other wrestlers, including Rick Steiner and Jake “The Snake” Roberts about appearing at upcoming events.

Matches for the July card begin at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. The American Legion Bingo Hall is located at 318 Alcovy Street in Monroe. For ticket information for this weekend’s card, call 770-601-3676.

Ringside tickets are $12 with adult general admission at $10. Children ages 6-12 are admitted for $5 with those 5-and-under admitted free.

Sure this will do well. "Rasslin" on a local level if promoted right will draw a crowd in the south. I'm shocked Tommy Rich can still wrestle.

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